The dry spell that isn't

Mahogany trees at different stages of leaf-shedding during the dry season. The grass in the foreground isn't faring any better.

It is supposed to be the dry season during this time of year in the greater northern region in Uganda, which actually includes West Nile. Typically, the dry spell starts sometime in October, peaks in January/February and tapers in March.

It came as expected, gradually warming its way into November/December. The annuals yellowed their leaves and many have already dropped them. One unique aspect in Uganda is that the dry spells come with the great Monsoon winds that blow over from the Indian Sub-continent, often exerting their effect in West Nile due to the high elevation in most parts. The mornings are often chilly (akin to early autumn weather). If not moisturized, the skin turns pale or even cracks, and takes on the appearance of cobwebs.

The past three weeks have been particularly dry with scorching sunshine and no winds. It's been so hot that catching some shut-eye at night is close to impossible. However, in the last three days the weather has taken a turn for the better with the winds returning accompanied with rain. In fact, as I post this blog its falling hard..."when it rains, it pours!"... so it is said. Briefly, that is the unpredictability of our weather in West Nile. Of late it is indeed becoming increasingly unpredictable. A sign of global warming, maybe?

Grass burning is common here during the dry season.

Dry leaves litter an avenue

A maize field scotched by too much sunshine, high day temperatures, and drought. 

Going down fighting... even when it is time to call it a day, the sun sets with a bang!

One positive: Mangoes are in full bloom.

The occasional rains revive seasonal streams giving the cows something to be joyful about.